News

Has skill to handle more work

General manager Tom Telesco believes Williams has the ability to handle a high-volume role if needed, Ricky Henne of the team's official website reports. "[Williams] had a great year for us," Telesco said Thursday. "But we're also in an offense where we have a lot of guys to get the football to, so he didn't have 80, 90 or 100 catches, but he has that type of ability."

Analysis: The seventh overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft enjoyed a breakout of sorts during his second pro season, parlaying 66 targets into a 43-664-10 receiving line (10.1 YPT, 15.4 YPR) in an offense that gave most of the volume to its running backs and Keenan Allen. Williams should get more chances in 2019 with Tyrell Williams expected to find a new home this offseason, but the Chargers also will need to find targets for tight end Hunter Henry, who returned from a torn ACL to play 14 snaps in a…read more

Published: Fri, Mar 1 at 9:20am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Season-high target count in loss

Williams hauled in five of 11 targets for 68 yards Sunday in the Chargers' 41-28 loss to the Patriots in the divisional round.

Analysis: The target total led the way for the Chargers and represented a career high for Williams, who has frequently ranked behind top wideout Keenan Allen in looks throughout his sophomore season. Considering the Chargers trailed by four touchdowns at halftime, the team's passing numbers were more inflated than normal, but Williams' 21.5 percent target share was still sizable even after accounting for game flow. After tallying 10 touchdowns during the regular season and seeing his role grow in the…read more

Published: Mon, Jan 14 at 9:52am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Key two-point conversion grab

Williams brought in two of five targets for 42 yards and also caught a two-point conversion pass in the Chargers' 23-17 wild-card win over the Ravens on Sunday.

Analysis: Williams ended up pacing the Chargers in receiving yardage with his modest total, and he logged the longest catch of the day for the team with a 28-yard grab in the second half. He then found himself wide-open in the left corner of the end zone on a two-point conversion play after Melvin Gordon's early fourth-quarter one-yard run. The second-year wideout finished the regular season on a strong note with three touchdowns over the last three games, as well 76- and 65-yard efforts in Weeks 15 and…read more

Published: Sun, Jan 6 at 2:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finds paydirt in win

Williams hauled in five of six targets for 65 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-9 win over the Broncos. He also lost 11 yards on his lone rushing attempt.

Analysis: Williams found himself open in the middle of the end zone for a three-yard score to give his team a 14-3 lead in the third quarter. The Clemson product closed out the regular season with two of his three biggest games of the year in terms of receptions, producing five- and seven-catch efforts with three touchdowns over his final three contests. Unfortunately for him, he sandwiched those games with a one-catch dud against the Ravens in Week 16, and now he must face them again on the road in the…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 5:23pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Disappointing in loss

Williams caught one of his three targets for seven yards in Saturday's loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: A stifling Ravens defense forced Williams to see his fewest targets since Week 13, culminating in his lowest yardage total since Week 6. It's a far cry from his heroic performance last week against the Chiefs, and a reminder that Williams' fantasy production is largely dependent on game script, as Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon continue to dominate the team's touches on a week-to-week basis.

Published: Mon, Dec 24 at 11:13am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Scores three touchdowns in win

Williams caught seven of his nine targets for 76 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-28 win over the Chiefs on Thursday. He also caught the game-winning two-point conversation, and carried the ball once for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Analysis: It was a coming out party for the 2017 No. 7 overall pick as Williams immediately became the primary target once Keenan Allen left in the second quarter due to a hip injury. Two red zone touchdowns, the latter of which brought the Chargers within one point with four seconds remaining, put an exclamation point on what has been a resounding comeback campaign for the second-year receiver, punctuated by a go-ahead two-point reception. All those superlatives don't do justice for Williams' lone run…read more

Published: Thu, Dec 13 at 8:58pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Snags three passes

Williams caught three of his six targets for 45 yards in the 26-21 win Sunday over the Bengals.

Analysis: It's clear now that Williams has effectively taken over the No. 2 receiving role over behind Keenan Allen, as the second-year receiver has tallied 174 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the last four weeks compared to Tyrell Williams' paltry 50 receiving yards over that same stretch. The loss of Melvin Gordon (knee) hasn't created as many opportunities for Mike Williams as some might have expected, but his red-zone presence is finally extending to all parts of the field, making the 2017 No.…read more

Published: Tue, Dec 11 at 6:31am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches three passes

Williams caught all three of his targets for 52 yards in the 33-30 win over the Steelers on Sunday.

Analysis: Williams was actually the third-most targeted player, drastically trailing Keenan Allen (19) and Austin Ekeler (eight) in that category. The 24-year-old is effectively a boom-or-bust fantasy option thanks to his limited opportunities, but the Chargers' efficient offense is such that you could never rule out a potential touchdown for the 6-foot-4 wide receiver in any given outing.

Published: Mon, Dec 3 at 12:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches two touchdowns

Williams caught all four of his targets for 25 yards and two touchdowns in the 45-10 win over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Tyrell Williams (quadriceps) was active for Sunday's game despite putting together back-to-back limited practices to conclude the week, but Mike Williams wound up being the star of the show, recording the second multi-touchdown game of his young career. The likes of Keenan Allen, Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler have made it nearly impossible for Williams to see an extended amount of targets, but the second-year wide receiver remains a certifiable threat near the red zone. Should the Chargers…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 5:56pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Tallies 56 receiving yards

Williams caught two of his three targets for 56 yards in the 23-22 loss to the Broncos on Sunday.

Analysis: The lack of opportunities makes Williams a difficult fantasy play any given week, but it's hard to argue that the second-year receiver isn't a big-play threat. Despite catching two or fewer passes for the sixth time this season, the 2017 first-round pick snagged receptions of 29 and 27 yards to put the Chargers in scoring position on both occasions. Williams' fantasy potential is limited so long as Tyrell Williams and Keenan Allen continue to see the lion's share of the targets, but he remains…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 19 at 4:59pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Cleared for Week 11

Williams (groin) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Broncos after practicing fully Friday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams wasn't targeted in the Week 10 win over the Raiders, which reinforces that he's a hit-or-miss fantasy option whose value is touchdown-dependent. Through nine game to date, Williams is averaging a modest 37.6 receiving yards, but he has made five trips to the end zone. He'll take aim this weekend at a Denver defense that has surrendered 16 passing scores through nine contests.

Published: Fri, Nov 16 at 1:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Limited at practice Thursday

Analysis: Fellow wideout Keenan Allen (finger/hip) was also limited Thursday after practicing fully Wednesday, so the Chargers' wideout corps suddenly has a couple of key players to watch in advance of Sunday's 4:05 ET kickoff against the Broncos. Through nine games, Williams -- who was not targeted in Week 10 -- is averaging 37.6 receiving yards, but he has managed to make his mark with five TDs over that span.

Published: Thu, Nov 15 at 3:23pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Does not record target

Williams did not record a target in the 20-6 win over the Raiders, but he carried the ball once for zero yards Sunday.

Analysis: It was a disappointing day for Williams as the second-year wide receiver saw Keenan Allen (nine targets, six receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown) and Tyrell Williams (six targets, four receptions for 46 yards) receive the vast majority of the looks on offense. It's clear the 2017 first-round pick is at best the fourth option heading into any given game, and as a result, makes for a risky play even in standard scoring formats.

Published: Mon, Nov 12 at 11:51am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches fifth touchdown of season

Williams caught a 30-yard touchdown in the 25-17 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Williams has turned his only catch into a touchdown in back-to-back weeks as the second-year receiver continues his surprisingly productive season. The lack of targets will continue to hold Williams back from emerging as a true fantasy asset, but owners could do worse when looking for a flex play, particularly next week against the struggling Raiders.

Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 6:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Collects fourth touchdown of 2018

Williams made the most of his lone reception during Sunday's 20-19 win against Tennessee, registering a 55-yard touchdown reception.

Analysis: Williams is a prototypical touchdown-dependent commodity, as he averages a mere 4.1 targets and 44 receiving yards per game. However, he now has four scores before the midway point of the regular season. The second-year man out of Clemson had two end-zone targets during Sunday's win over Tennessee (unable to haul in either), and he was shaken up while laying out for the second attempt before returning later in the game. He and the rest of the Chargers receiving corps will have a bye week to…read more

Published: Sun, Oct 21 at 11:47am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Only snags one catch

Williams caught just one of his four targets for four yards and also carried the ball once for 10 yards in the 38-14 win over the Browns.

Analysis: A couple of errant throws could have resulted in a bigger day for Williams, but the end result is another down performance after he tallied 189 receiving yards through three weeks. Instead it was Tyrell Williams who put together an explosive afternoon, turning four targets into 118 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular reception over three defenders for a score. Mike Williams owners can take solace in the fact that the second-year receiver was one of only four Chargers to see…read more

Published: Mon, Oct 15 at 9:23am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Nabs three passes

Williams caught three of four targets for 45 yards during Sunday's 26-10 win over Oakland. He added a three-yard run during the contest.

Analysis: The Chargers pass offense is somewhat unique in that running back Melvin Gordon is -- in many ways -- the team's No. 2 receiver. Williams has been targeted more than four times just twice thus far this season, but his size has helped him garner value in the red zone. Three of his 15 receptions have gone for touchdowns. Williams is a solid option in games in which the Chargers offense has an opportunity to provide him with several shots in the red zone. That doesn't figure to be the case on…read more

Published: Tue, Oct 9 at 7:54pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Only manages three targets in win

Williams caught one of his three targets for 15 yards during Sunday's 29-27 win over the 49ers.

Analysis: After a three-week stretch in which Williams caught 11 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns, the second-year receiver nearly laid an egg against what figured to be a nice matchup in the 49ers. While Travis Benjamin (foot) did play Sunday for the first time in three weeks, the speedy receiver didn't even make it through the whole game, creating a puzzling outcome for fantasy owners hoping for another showcase game by Williams. Quarterback Philip Rivers seemed content to throw short passes…read more

Published: Tue, Oct 2 at 6:21am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Snags two touchdowns despite loss

Williams caught four of his seven targets for 81 yards and two touchdowns in the 35-23 loss to the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Tied for the team lead in targets, the second-year wide receiver easily put together his best game as a pro. A spectacular diving touchdown reception in the first quarter appeared to leave Williams groggy, but he ultimately never missed a snap. While Williams might be the No. 4 wide receiver on the team's official depth chart, he's arguably the No. 2 option behind Keenan Allen when it comes to pass catchers and has quickly emerged as a threat whenever he's on the field. Game script will likely…read more

Published: Sun, Sep 23 at 6:26pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches first career touchdown

Williams caught both of his targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-20 win over the Bills.

Analysis: It was a bit disappointing to see Williams only targeted twice as No. 3 wide receiver Travis Benjamin (foot) was inactive for Sunday's contest. Still, Williams corralled his first career touchdown early in the first quarter, holding onto the catch despite being hit by two different defenders. After the game Williams hinted the pass was drawn up specifically for him, which would seem to suggest the second-year player is becoming a more prominent target in the red zone. Given his large frame…read more

Published: Mon, Sep 17 at 7:27am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

In line for more work

Williams could be in line for additional snaps in Week 2 if Travis Benjamin (foot) is unable to play, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Benjamin was spotted in a walking boot Wednesday and has failed to practice at all this week. In other words, all signs point to the speedy wide receiver missing Week 2, which would open the door for Williams to vault into the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Tyrell Williams and Keenan Allen. Williams put together favorable numbers last Sunday (five catches for 81 yards on six targets) as the Chargers attempted to rally back from a second half deficit, but nearly all of his targets came in…read more

Published: Fri, Sep 14 at 11:10am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Sets career high for snaps

Williams played a career-high 44 snaps on offense in Sunday's 38-28 loss to the Chiefs, Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Analysis: Williams took advantage with five catches for 81 yards on six targets, but he actually played fewer snaps than Keenan Allen (72), Tyrell Williams (62) and even Travis Benjamin (47). There was plenty of passing volume to go around in a game that saw Philip Rivers air it out 51 times on 82 snaps. While the production is at least encouraging, (Mike) Williams will have a hard time establishing week-to-week consistency if he's essentially splitting the No. 3 receiver job with Benjamin. A Week 2…read more

Published: Mon, Sep 10 at 12:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Solid in Week 1

Williams grabbed five of six targets for 81 yards in Sunday's 38-28 loss to the Chiefs.

Analysis: Williams trailed only Keenan Allen in catches and yards among Chargers' wideouts Sunday, although Tyrell Williams caught a short touchdown pass. The second-year player had a nice training camp, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him take a step forward in 2018.

Published: Sun, Sep 9 at 5:19pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Impressive thus far in camp

Williams has been one of the biggest risers during the Chargers training camp thus far, Jim Trotter of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Finally healthy after a season plagued by back and ankle injuries, Williams has been impressive this summer, creating real strides not just as a red-zone threat, but also as an all-around receiver. Williams will likely slot in behind Keenan Allen and Tyrell Williams (foot) as the team's No. 3 wideout when the season starts, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft progress further up the depth chart as he builds more acumen with quarterback Philip Rivers.

Published: Thu, Aug 23 at 7:15am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Finds end zone in preseason win

Williams secured his only target for a 25-yard touchdown in the Chargers' 24-14 preseason win over the Seahawks on Saturday.

Analysis: The second-year receiver made his one catch count, showing off his athleticism by going up high and over the defender to snare the touchdown throw from Geno Smith. Williams saw Tyrell Williams draw the start opposite Keenan Allen, but he has the talent to challenge the latter for the No. 2 role as the season unfolds. Last season's seventh overall pick is now at full health after a back injury limited him to 10 games in 2017, and a pass-heavy Chargers offense should help him exponentially…read more

Published: Sat, Aug 18 at 11:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Catches two passes in preseason opener

Williams secured two of five targets for 18 yards during Saturday's preseason opener against the Cardinals.

Analysis: Williams saw plenty of looks Saturday, and while he wasn't able to do much with them, the quality of the passes thrown his way was questionable at best while working with backup quarterbacks Geno Smith and Cardale Jones. With Philip Rivers a good bet to suit up for at least one drive in the second week of the preseason, we should be able to give Williams a more fair evaluation after next Saturday's exhibition against the Seahawks. The 2017 first-round pick is competing for snaps and targets…read more

Published: Sun, Aug 12 at 9:37am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Looking good early

Williams is off to a good start at training camp, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The No. 7 overall pick in last year's draft had a quiet rookie season, initially limited by a back injury and then by a crowded depth chart. While the Chargers still have an impressive receiver group, there should be more total snaps to go around in 2018, as the team figures to decrease its use of two-TE formations after losing Hunter Henry to a torn ACL in May. It sounds like Williams is off to a strong start in his bid to displace Tyrell Williams or Travis Benjamin for a regular spot in the…read more

Published: Tue, Jul 31 at 11:30am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (hamstring) was back on the field for Monday's OTA session, Eric Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams missed a handful of practices last week while dealing with a hamstring strain, but as expected, it was nothing overly serious. He should be good to go moving forward barring any sort of setback. Williams heads into the upcoming campaign battling for a depth role behind the likes of Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin.

Published: Mon, Jun 4 at 10:06am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: Williams only appeared in 10 games last season due to injury, but he entered the offseason program seemingly in good health. While he may miss some time due to the hamstring issue, it appears he's avoided anything serious. When healthy, the 23-year-old wideout should battle for playing time this season after recording only 11 catches for 95 yards as a rookie. However, the presence of Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin means he will likely have to earn his snaps.

Published: Tue, May 29 at 11:57am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams is healthy for the Chargers' offseason program, Ricky Henne of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Williams injured his back shortly after being taken with the No. 7 overall pick in last year's draft, ultimately missing all of training camp and the first five weeks of the regular season. He finished his rookie campaign with 11 catches for 95 yards on 23 targets, logging 234 offensive snaps in 10 games while stuck behind Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin on the depth chart. The Chargers still have all three of those players on the roster, but they presumably hope (Mike)…read more

Published: Tue, Apr 24 at 7:47am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams did not record a catch in Sunday's win over the Raiders, finishing his rookie season with 11 catches for 95 yards.

Analysis: Disappointing doesn't begin to describe Williams' rookie season, as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft had a hard time even getting on the field, much less factoring in on offense. A herniated disc in Williams' back suffered during the preseason essentially ended the rookie's season before it even began, as the 23-year-old never got in much of a rhythm with quarterback Philip Rivers and was firmly behind Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin on the depth chart by the time…read more

Published: Wed, Jan 3 at 12:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams failed to record a catch in Sunday's 14-7 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Williams did see three targets, but once again failed to make much with them. Injuries have largely hampered the 23-year-old's rookie season, turning Williams essentially into a red-zone specialist (four red-zone targets in nine games). At this stage in his career, being a red-zone specialist might not be a bad thing, but so long as the Chargers still have aspirations of a playoff berth, it's unlikely Williams will be put in a position to produce impressive fantasy numbers.

Published: Tue, Dec 26 at 6:57am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) caught just one of his three targets for three yards in Sunday's 30-13 win over the Redskins.

Analysis: Williams was hardly utilized given the Chargers raced out to a lead early in the contest. Still, it was encouraging to see the 2017 first-round pick get some action after missing essentially the previous two weeks due to a bruised right knee.

Published: Tue, Dec 12 at 7:02am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Analysis: A bone bruise in Williams' right knee effectively sidelined him for two games, as he played just one snap Thanksgiving Day against the Cowboys before missing last week's win over the Browns. It appears the rookie wideout will be able to avoid a more prolonged absence, as the Chargers cleared him to suit up after he turned in a pair of limited practices and a full session this week. Though Williams will likely split work with Travis Benjamin in three-receiver sets, Benjamin's strong showings the…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 10 at 11:36am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) will play Sunday against the Redskins, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams missed last week's game and played just one snap in Week 12.

Published: Sat, Dec 9 at 9:04pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) was a full practice participant Friday and is listed
as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins.

Analysis: Williams' ability to log a full practice Friday on the heels of limited sessions Wednesday and Thursday suggests he should be able to return after missing just one game, though Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said he wants to reevaluate the rookie Saturday before rendering a decision on his status, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. If cleared to play, Williams will likely play a limited role at receiver, sharing snaps with Travis Benjamin as the No. 3 wideout behind starters Keenan…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 8 at 12:50pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: Williams was held out of practice all last week and ruled out two days in advance of Sunday's eventual 19-10 win over the Browns. His return to practice Wednesday suggests his bone bruise has at least partially healed, but the Chargers may want to see the rookie log a full session before clearing him to play in a game. Williams played 55 percent of the snaps on offense against the Bills in Week 11, but his snap count has fallen shy of the 40-percent mark in each of his other five appearances…read more

Published: Wed, Dec 6 at 11:47am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: Williams was unable to practice in any capacity this week after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee shortly before the Chargers' Thanksgiving Day win over the Cowboys. Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn has been classifying Williams as day-to-day, but the rookie will need to get back on the practice field in some capacity next week to ensure his absence doesn't extend beyond Sunday. Williams' unavailability in Week 13 could open up a few extra targets for complementary wideouts Tyrell…read more

Published: Fri, Dec 1 at 1:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Per Hayley Elwood of Chargers.com, the wideout is still sore and considered day-to-day by coach Anthony Lynn. Williams will be evaluated at end of the week, but at this stage, his status for Sunday's game against the Browns is cloudy.

Published: Wed, Nov 29 at 3:06pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) didn't take part in practice Monday, Eric Williams of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams didn't damage the ACL in his right knee but instead has a bone bruise in the aftermath of Thursday's win at Dallas. On Monday, head coach Anthony Lynn termed Williams "day-to-day" with soreness, which is expected to sideline him Sunday against the Browns and potentially beyond. Expect Travis Benjamin to benefit the most from Williams' absence, but this passing attack relies upon Keenan Allen more than any other wide receiver.

Published: Mon, Nov 27 at 3:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Likely out Week 13

WIlliams is dealing with a bone bruise in his right knee rather than any damage to his ACL and isn't expected to play Week 13 against the Browns, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Williams had been dealing with the knee injury prior to Thursday's win over the Cowboys, but was active for the contest before departing following the first offensive series after apparently suffering an aggravation. According to Rapoport, the Chargers are considering the rookie week-to-week, so there's a decent possibility that he'll miss time beyond the matchup with the Browns. The first-round pick harbored plenty of injury risk prior to being selected in April, and he's done little to quell…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 26 at 6:12am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Head coach Anthony Lynn said Friday that Williams didn't injure the ACL in his right knee Thursday at Dallas, but the wide receiver is still under evaluation.

Analysis: Williams is expected to miss some time as a result of the injury, but the amount of time required for recovery remains unknown. Until the Chargers hone in on the nature of the ailment, his status will be up in the air.

Published: Fri, Nov 24 at 12:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the extent of his knee injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The good news is the Chargers believe Williams' ACL is not damaged, but the bad news is he is expected to miss time with the injury. More should be known about Williams' status moving forward after the results of his MRI are released.

Published: Fri, Nov 24 at 8:50am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Ruled out with knee injury

Williams (knee) has been ruled out of Thursday's game in Dallas.

Analysis: The Chargers didn't waste any time downgrading Williams from questionable to out, indicating his knee injury may be a serious one. During his ride to the locker room, his right leg was extended in front of him, so the medical staff wasn't taking any chances with the rookie wideout from the outset. Expect the Chargers to touch on the ailment in due time.

Published: Thu, Nov 23 at 2:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Injures knee Thursday

Williams is questionable to return to Thursday's contest at Dallas due to a knee injury.

Analysis: Tending to a knee issue in advance of this game, Williams maintained limited standing Monday through Wednesday before he was given questionable availability. He avoided the list of inactives but wasn't targeted on the Chargers' first drive, after which he has carted to the locker room with his leg held straight in front of him, per Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. While worrisome for the rookie, upcoming tests will determine the severity of the ailment.

Published: Thu, Nov 23 at 2:13pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) is listed as active for Thursday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: As is Travis Benjamin (abdomen), with both players profiling as speculative Week 12 fantasy plays while working in a crowded Chargers pass-catching corps. Williams did record career highs in catches (five), targets (eight) and receiving yards (38) in this past Sunday's 54-24 win over the Bills, but the 2017 first-rounder will need to string together some productive outings before his upside translates into fantasy reliability.

Published: Thu, Nov 23 at 12:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) is expected to play Thursday against the Cowboys, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The same applies to fellow wideout Travis Benjamin (abdomen), though both are speculative Week 12 fantasy plays in the context of a crowded Chargers pass-catching corps headed by Keenan Allen, who logged 12 catches in Week 11. Williams recorded career highs in catches (five), targets (eight) and receiving yards (38) in this past Sunday's 54-24 win over the Bills, so things are trending in the right direction for the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. That said, Williams is not yet the…read more

Published: Thu, Nov 23 at 7:43am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) remained limited at practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game in Dallas.

Analysis: Williams was also listed as a limited participant Monday and Tuesday, marking his first appearances on the injury report since he made his NFL debut Week 6 against the Raiders. He set new personal bests for catches (five), targets (eight), yards (38) and snaps (41) in Sunday's 54-24 win over the Bills, but most of his work came in the second half of a blowout. Williams could have the No. 3 receiver role all to himself if he's able to play Thursday and Travis Benjamin (abdomen) is held out.…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 22 at 10:39am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice session.

Analysis: Williams was limited for the second straight day with the knee injury that he's dealt with all season. He posted a season-high five catches for 38 yards last week. His potential fantasy impact is limited as long as he's under a cap from his knee injury.

Published: Tue, Nov 21 at 3:37pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams (knee) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's injury report.

Analysis: Entering Sunday's game against the Bills, Williams had put together four catches (on seven targets) for 46 yards across the first four appearances of the season. He proceeded to surpass those marks in both receptions (five) and targets (eight) while posting a career-high 38 yards Sunday. Until further notice, Williams' reps will remain under a cap due to the knee injury that delayed his professional debut.

Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 7:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams caught five of his eight targets for 38 yards in the 54-24 win over the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: It took an injury to Travis Benjamin for Williams to finally see some noticeable action, and while he only averaged 7.6 YPC, it was nevertheless an impressive outing for the rookie. While Williams trailed both Keenan Allen and Tyrell Williams in terms of snaps, the Clemson product still came away with the second-most catches by a Chargers player, essentially acting as a big-bodied escape route for quarterback Philip Rivers whenever he was under duress. Should Benjamin miss any time, Williams…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 11:32am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Williams caught both of his targets for 24 yards in the 20-17 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: The two catches actually represents a career-high for Williams in an admittedly small sample size. Still, the 2017 first-round pick has yet to see his snap count jump upwards, with Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin each seeing more playing time than the 23-year-old. For the moment, Mike Williams represents an intriguing stash option should the Chargers eventually fall out of postseason contention and opt to utilize their young wide receiver more frequently.

Published: Mon, Nov 13 at 12:16pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com